Resilient closure support



D. R. LIGH June 12, 1962 RESILIENT CLOSURE SUPPORT 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 3, 1958 June 12, 1962 D. R. LIGH RESILIENT CLOSURE SUPPORT Filed Nov. 5, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR BY W5. WM

D. R. LlGH June 12, 1962 RESILIENT CLOSURE SUPPORT 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 3, 1958 INVENTOR.

June 12,- 1962 D. R. LIGH 3,038,434

. RESILIENT CLOSURE SUPPORT Filed Nov. 3, 195a 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ll IIIIIIIIHIIIHIIIITT rmmml.

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United States Patent Gihce 3,938,434 Patented June 12, 1962 Lin);

RESZLIENT CLGSURE SUPPORT David R. Light, Mariners Harbor, NX. (Madison, NJ.)

Fiied Nov. 3, 1958, Ser. No. 771,286 14 (Iiaims. (Cl. 114-202) The present invention relates to a resilient closure support, and more particularly to a resilient support for the wheels of a hatch cover.

Closure arrangements are known in which a heavy closure element, for example a hatch cover, is movable between an operative position covering an opening, such as a hatch, and an inoperative position uncovering the opening. Heavy closure elements are suppo1ted on Wheels which roll along tracks adjacent the opening.

It is necessary to obtain a tight closure by pressing the closure element against the edge surrounding the opening, for example against a hatch coaming. In accordance with the constructions of the known art, the wheels of the closure element are supported on movable platforms which can be raised and lowered by mechanical or hydraulic means to permit movement of the closure element between a position in which the opening is tightly sealed, and a position in which the wheels are located at the level of the tracks, so as to roll on the same during opening and closing operations.

It is one object of the present invention to improve the known constructions of this type, and to provide resilient means under the wheel supporting platforms.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hatch cover which can be secured in a sealing position by locking means, but is automatically ready for movement to an open position when the locking clamps are released.

Another object of the present invention is to support the wheels of a closure element on resilient means when the closure element is in an operative position covering an opening so that the cover element can be pressed against the opening while the resilient means yield.

Another object of the present invention is to make such resilient means sufiiciently strong to raise the closure element into a position in which the wheels are located on the level of tracks.

Another object of the present invention is to provide resilient means of such spring force as to compensate the weight of the closure element so that the closure element can be raised or lowered without effort by manually operated means.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a hatch cover arrangement in which the gasket of the hatch cover is not subjected to chafing during the opening and closing operations.

A futher object of the present invention is to provide a closure arrangement in which no multiple tracks are required for the wheels of the closure element.

Another object of the present invention is to provide track means touching the periphery of the wheels in the position in which the resilient means are compressed and the closure tightly closed by the locking clamp means so that the wheels can move up to the tracks even if the resilient means fail to raise the closure element.

With these objects in view, the present invention mainly consists in a closure arrangement which comprises a supporting element formed with an opening, a closure element, such as a hatch cover, which is movable between an inoperative position uncovering the opening, and an operative position covering the opening; first supporting means forming part of the supporting element, and second supporting means mounted on the closure element, at least one of said supporting means being resilient, and the second supporting means being located on the first supporting means when the closure element is in the operative position; and means for moving the closure element in operative position toward the supporting element while the resilient supporting means yields so that the closure element can assume a sealing position. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the resilient supporting means is strong enough to move the closure element away from the supporting element when the closure element is released. Thereby, the closure element is raised to a position in which the second supporting means are located on the level of the surface of the supporting element, so that the second supporting means can move along the same during movement of the closure element between operative and inoperative positions. In another embodiment manually operated means are provided for raising the closure element whose weight is substantially compensated by the resilient supporting means which are located on the stationary supporting element, for example on the deck of a ship.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hatch cover element is provided with a gasket which is pressed against a hatch coaming. The second supporting means have wheel means and are mounted on the hatch cover, and the first supporting means is a resilient means including a portion located at the level of tracks on which the wheel means normally roll during opening and closing operations. When the hatch cover is pressed down by locking clamps or dog latches, the resilient means yield and the wheels pass into an opening provided in the region of the tracks.

As explained above, the resilient means are strong enough to raise the hatch cover when the locking clamps are released so that the wheels are located at the level of the track permitting operation of the hatch cover or can be easily raised to this level.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention as applied to a hatch cover;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary side view illustrating a detail of FIGURE 1 on an enlarged scale, and showing the elements in a first operational position;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary side view corresponding to FIGURE 2 but illustrating another operational position;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line IV-IV in FIGURE 1 and illustrating a detail on an enlarged scale;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary side View of the detail shown in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken on line VI-VI in FIGURE 1 and illustrating another detail of the construction;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary side view showing a detail of FIGURE 8 on an enlarged scale;

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view of a device according to the present invention which may be used in the embodiments of FIGURES l and 7;

FIGURE 11 is a sectional view showing the device of FIGURE 10 in another operational position; and

FIGURE 12 is a sectional View taken on line 12-12 in FIGURE 11.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGURE 1, a hatch cover is shown which includes two hatch cover elements respectively mounted on pivot means 8 and 9. Each hatch cover element includes two sections 1, 2 and 3, 4 respectively. Hatch cover sections 1 and 2 are articulated by hinge means 10, and hatch cover sections 3 and 4 are articulated by hinge means 11.

In the illustrated position, the hatch cover element is operative and covers the hatch or opening 5 which is surrounded by the hatch coaming 55. The hatch cover can be moved to an inoperative position uncovering the hatch 5 by suitable operating means which are not an object of the present invention. For example, lifting eyes 1a may be provided on the hatch cover, and a hook from the ships hoisting gear is attached to the lifting eye 1a of a hatch cover element for moving the same. When the hatch cover elements are raised, the sections 1 and 2 fold upon each other until they assume a substantially upright position in which further movement is prevented by stops 8a, 9a on the pivot means 8 and 9. Wheels 12 are secured to opposite sides of the hatch cover sections 2 and 3 and roll on tracks 29, best seen in FIGURES 2 and 3, which extend on opposite sides of the hatch cover outwardly of the hatch coaming 55.

As best seen in FIGURE 6, the wheels 12 are rotatably supported on aXles 24 which are mounted on brackets 57. Brackets 57 are secured to the respective hatch cover sections 2 and 3, respectively.

A gasket 15 is secured to the hatch cover and has a sealing face cooperating with the hatch coaming 55. Transverse gaskets 16, 17 and 18 are provided between the hatch cover sections to seal the spaces between the same when the hatch cover is closed.

Pairs of locking clamps or dog latches 19, 20, 21 and 22 are spaced along the sides of the hatch cover, as best seen in FIGURE 1. FIGURES 4 and 5 show the construction of the locking clamps in detail, and it will be understood that only one locking clamp 20 is shown in FIGURE 4, while the other locking clamp 20 of the pair is located on the other side of the hatch cover, which is not shown in FIGURE 4.

Each locking clamp includes a first clamping member 201 secured to a hatch cover section, and a second movable clamping member 202 which is pivotally secured to a fixed supporting element and is turnable about a pivot pin 203. The movable clamping member 202 includes another clamping member 204 which is pivotally secured to member 202 by a pivot pin 205 and has a handle 206. A transverse pin 204a is secured to clamping member 204 and can be placed in a position engaging a matching arcuate surface 201a of clamping member 201. Clamping member 202 is pivoted into a releasing position releasing clamping member 201 when it is desired to open the hatch cover. In the operative position of the hatch cover shown in FIGURE 1, clamping member 204 is placed on clamping member 201 while handle 206 is in a substantially horizontal position, and when handle 206 is turned to the illustrated vertical position, a toggle lever action is exerted by which the hatch cover is moved toward the hatch coaming until the sealing face of the gasket '15 engages the hatch coaming 55, and the gasket is sufficiently compressed to assure a tight seal. A stop 60 which is secured to the hatch cover limits compression of gasket 15. When the hatch cover is to be opened, handle 206 is turned counterclockwise so that pin 24a turns on the bearing surface 201a and member 202 turns about pin 203. Thereby, the pressure is relieved and finally handle 206 can be turned to a position in which pin 204 is located above member 201 so that members 202, 204, 206 can be turned to an inoperative position located below pin 203.

It will he noted that it is necessary to lower wheels 12 and 13 below the level of the tracks in order to obtain the sealing engagement between the gasket 15 and the coaming 55. In accordance with the present invention,

i a spring-loaded gasket release mechanism is provided for each wheel 12 and 13, which will now be described in detail with references to FIGURES 2, 3 and 6.

A resilient supporting means 23 is provided for each wheel 12, and 13, and so located in the region of the deck surface, or in the region of the tracks 29, that the wheels are located on the platform portion 26 of the resilient supporting means 23 when the hatch cover is in the operative position illustrated in FIGURE 1.

The resilient supporting means 23 includes an outer casing 27 whose top plate 31 has an opening bounded by edges 32. Resilient means 28, shown to be coil springs, are located in casing 27 and abut against platform 26 to urge the same into the position shown in FIGURE 2 in which the portion 26a of platform 26 passes into the opening in top wall 31. The wider flange portions of platform 26 abut against the inner face of top wall 31 in a position in which the top face 226 is located at the level of the top face of wall 31, and also at the level of the tracks 29.

The resilient means 28 are sufilciently strong to support the component of the weight of the hatch cover which is transmitted through the wheels 12 or 13 to the platform 26. Consequently when the hatch cover is moved to the operative position shown in FIGURE 1, and the wheels 12 roll from the tracks 29 onto the platform portion 126 and stop there, the position of FIGURE 2 will be maintained until the locking clamps 19, 20, 21 and 22 are operated to press down the hatch cover sections into the position shown in FIGURE 6 in which the wheels 12 and 13 pass through the opening in the top wall 31, and compress springs 28 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 6. In this position, the hatch cover is tightly sealed since the sealing face of gasket 15 engages the hatch coaming 55.

As soon as the locking clamps or dog latches 19, 20, 21 and 22 are released by moving clamping member 202, 204, 204a away from clamping member 201, the resilient means 28 immediately overcome the weight component of the hatch cover sections associated therewith, and the wheels are raised to the level of tracks 29. When the hatch cover sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 are now raised and folded into an inoperative position in which the hatch is uncovered, the wheels 12 and 13 will roll on the tracks 29 while the sections 1, 2 and 3, 4 fold upon each other, respectively. When the hatch cover means are lowered, the wheels 12 and 13 will again roll on the tracks 29 until the hatch is covered and the wheels are again located on the platform portions 126. When the hatch cover is now clamped down by operation of the dog latches 19, 20, 21 and 22, the resilient means 28 are compressed, and the wheels assume the position shown in FIGURES 3 and 6. It will be appreciated that in accordance with the present invention, the weight component acting on the resilient means 28 is not sufiicient to compress the springs until the dog latches are operated. For example, if the weight acting on one wheel is 5,000 lbs., the respective resilient means 28 are dimensioned to exert an upward pressure of 6,000 lbs. so that an additional pressure of 1,000 lbs. must be exerted by the associated dog latch to compress the respective resilient means until the gasket is in tight sealing engagement with the hatch coaming.

In the illustrated embodiment, an independent resilient supporting means 23 is provided for each wheel so that four resilient supporting means are respectively associated with the four rotatable supporting means constituted by the pair of wheels 12 and the pair of wheels 13. It is, however, also possible to provide a single spring-loaded platform on either side of the hatch cover, so that one wheel 12 and one wheel 13 are resiliently supported on a common platform.

The opening in the top wall 31 of the resilient supporting means 23 is so dimensioned and positioned that the edges 32 or at least one edge 32, just touch the periphery of the respective wheel when the wheel is in the lower position illustrated in FIGURE 3 in which the hatch cover is in sealing position. This arrangement has the advantage that the hatch cover can be withdrawn to inoperative position even if the resilient supporting means 23 fail to operate. For example, if the platform 26 is jammed in the position shown in FIGURE 3, so that the wheels are not raised even when the dog latches are released, then the wheels will climb up the edge 32 which operates as a ramp for raising the wheel to the higher position for rolling on the tracks 29.

In a hatch cover arrangement in which four foldable sections are hinged together with a pair of wheels provided for each pair of hinged sections, a resilient supporting means 23 as shown in FIGURE 2 is provided for each wheel. This would correspond to an arrangement in which the sections 2 and 3 are hinged together, and the wheels 18 are secured to section 4. In this event, the wheels 13 secured to section 4- would roll over the re silient supporting means 23 which normally support the wheels 12 secured to section 2. Such an arrangement avoids multiple tracks which otherwise would have to be provided in a hatch cover construction using four articulated sections.

The resilient means 28 are shown to be coil springs but it will be appreciated that instead of coil springs other resilient means such as air springs may be provided.

From the above description of one embodiment of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention it will become apparent that the closure arrangement according to the present invention includes a supporting element formed with an opening 5, a closure element 1, 2 for closing the opening, stationary supporting means 23 forming part of the supporting element, and rotatable supporting means 12 mounted on the closure element 1, 2. One of the supporting means is resilient and movable in vertical direction, namely the supporting means 23. Means for moving the closure element ll, 2 toward the supporting element are provided in the form of hooking clamps 19 which are capable of moving the closure 1, 2 to a sealing position engaging the edge portion which surrounds the opening 5 while the resilient supporting means 23 yield.

Referring now to FIGURES 7, 8 and 9 which illustrate another embodiment of the present invention, a hatch opening is provided in the deck of a ship, and surrounded by a hatch coaming 155. Two hatch cover sections 1G1 and 1132 are provided for closing the hatch, and have wheels-112 which roll on tracks 12?. Rack bars 13% are secured to each of the sections on both sides of the same, and mesh, respectively with gears 131 which are turnably mounted on the supporting plate means of the deck. The gears 131 are driven by pairs of bevel gears 132 of which one is secured to a shaft 133 mounted in bearings 13 i and the other is connected to a gear 131 for rotation. Shafts 133 are driven by motor means 135 which may be an electric motor. Gaskets 1411 are secured to each of the hatch cover sections 161 and 162 and cooperate with the coaming 155. Gasket 117' extends between hatch cover section 111-1 and 1132 and abuts an inclined shoulder on hatch cover section 1132, as shown in FIG. 9.

When motor 135 is operated, shafts 133 turn the gear means 132 and 131 so that the two hatch cover sections move apart in a horizontal plane to assume a position in which the hatch is opened.

A plurality of dog latches 119 are provided around the hatch cover sections, each dog latch including a member secured to the respective hatch cover section, and a member secured to the hatch coaming so that in the illustrated operative position of the hatch cover, the gaskets of the hatch cover sections can be pressed against the hatch coaming for sealing the hatch. The dog latch may be of the construction illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5.

It will be noted that it is necessary to lower wheels 112 below the level of the tracks in order to obtain the sealing engagement between the gaskets and the hatch coaming.

iii)

In accordance with the present invention, a springdoaded mechanism 123 is provided for each wheel 112, and the mechanism illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3 may be also used in the embodiment of FIGURES 7 to 9. As explained above, springs 28 will raise platforms 26 to a position in which the top surfaces 226 of portions 26a are flush With the tracks, so that the wheels may roll onto the tracks when gears 131 are turned while in meshing engagement with rack bars 131 However, when the hatch cover sections are in operative positions closing the hatch opening, operation of the dog latches 119 will com-press springs 28 so that the platforms move to the position illustrated in FIGURE 3. As soon as the dog latches are released, the platforms 26 are raised by springs 28, and the wheels are automatically returned to the level of the tracks.

In both embodiments of the present invention a modified mechanism may be provided for supporting the wheels 12, or 112. As explained above, the springs 28 in the embodiment in FIGURES 2 and 3 have together a spring force exceeding the weight of the respective hatch cover. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES l0, l1 and 12, the weight of the respective hatch cover portion slightly exceeds the spring force of the springs 128 by a small margin. Consequently, in the operative position of the hatch cover, platforms 126 will tend to move to the lower position illustrated in FIGURE 10. A spindle means 150 is threaded into a nut 151 which is turnably mounted in a casing 127. Nut 151 has a bevel gear portion 152 meshing with a bevel gear 153 whose shaft 154 is turnably mounted in a bearing 155 in the casing 128. A handle 156 is connected to shaft 154 by a coupling 157.

When handle 156 is turned, out 151 will also turn, and since nut 151 is held by a ring 157 in the casing 127 against movement in axial direction, the spindle 15! will be moved in axial direction.

Spindle 150 is preferably fixedly secured to the respective platform 126. This construction operates as follows:

When the hatch cover sections are closed, the wheels 112 rest on the platforms which are supported by the spindles 150. When handle 156 is turned, spindle 153 and platform 126 is lowered, and the wheel 112 resting on the platform will also be lowered into the position shown in FIGURE 10. When it is desired to open the hatch, handle 156 is turned in the opposite direction until platform 126 is raised to the level of tracks 129. Since the Weight of the hatch cover sections is almost completely compensated by the spring force of springs 12%, lowering and raising of the platform 126 with the hatch cover sections resting thereon will require almost no effort, since the operator has to overcome only the difference between the Weight of the hatch cover and the spring force.

According to a modified construction of the present invention, the upper end of spindle 151) is not fixedly secured to the respective platform 126. This modified embodiment operates as follows:

When spindle 150 is raised by handle 156, its end abuts against platform 126, and raises the platform with wheel 112 and the hatch cover, as described above. In the position of FIGURE 11, the wheels are again located at the level of the tracks 129, and the hatch covers can be rolled away, or folded.

When the hatch cover is again closed, the wheels 112 are again positioned on the platforms 126. When handle 156 is now turned to lower spindle 15! platform 126 and wheels 112 will also be lowered in the position shown in FIGURE 10. However, if the spindle is further lowered, in a certain position of the platform the spring force of spring 128 will be sufiicient to support the respective Weight portion of the hatch cover, and spindle 15a will separate from platform 126. When the dog latches 119 are now operated, the gaskets are pressed into engagement with the hatch coaming While springs 123 are further depressed. It Will be understood that the spindle will be sufficiently lowered to permit a further lowering of the platform 126 during operation of the dog latches.

In the embodiment in which the spindle is fixedly secured to the platform 126, spindles 150 will have to be lowered until the platforms 126 release the wheels 112 while the hatch cover rests on the hatch coaming. Thereupon, the dog latches are operated to clamp the hatch cover against the hatch coaming.

As compared with the prior art in which hydraulic or electric jacks were used for raising the wheels to the level of the tracks, the construction of the present invention has the great advantage, that a small manual force is sufficient for raising the hatch cover to the level of the tracks, since the major portion of the weight of the hatch cover is supported by those spring means 128.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of closure arrangements differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a hatch cover arrangement including resilient supporting means for supporting the hatch cover when the dog latches are released, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. in a closure arrangement, in combination, a suppopting element formed with an opening; a closure element for closing said opening and being movable between an inoperative position uncovering said opening, and an operative position covering said opening; first supporting means forming part of said supporting element, and second rotatable supporting means mounted on said closure element for supporting the same on said supporting element transversely spaced from said supporting element during movement of said closure element between said operative and inoperative positions, at least one of said supporting means being resilient, said resilient supporting means having a spring force greater than the weight of said closure element, said second rotatable supponting means being located on said first supporting means when said closure element is in said operative po sition, and moving along said supporting element during movement of said closure element between said positions; and means for moving said closure element toward said supporting element in said operative position of said closure element while said one resilient supporting means yields due to the resiliency thereof, said one resilient supporting means moving said closure element away from said supporting element upon termination of the action of said moving means.

2. In a closure arrangement, in combination, a supporting element formed with an opening; a closure element for closing said opening and being movable between an inoperative position uncovering said opening, and an operative position covering said opening; resilient first supporting means forming part of said supporting element, and rotatable second supporting means mounted on said closure element for supporting the same on said supporting element transversely spaced from said supporting element during movement of said closure element between said operative and inoperative positions, said resilient supporting means having a spring force greater than the weight of said closure element said ro- O as tatable second supporting means being located on said resilient first supporting means when said closure element is in said operative position, and moving along said supporting element during movement of said closure element between said positions; and means for moving said closure element toward said supporting element in said operative position of said closure element while said resilient first supporting means yields due to the resiliency thereof, said resilient first supporting means moving said closure element away from said supporting element upon termination of the action of said moving means.

3 In a hatch cover arrangement, in combination, a supporting element formed with an opening and including a hatch coaming surrounding said opening; a hatch cover element for closing said opening and including a plurality of articulated sections foldable upon each other, one of said sections being turnably mounted on said supporting element, said hatch cover element being movable between an inoperative position in which said sections are folded upon each other and uncover said opening and an operative position in which said sections are located in a plane and cover said opening; resilient first supporting means forming part of said supporting element, and rotabable second supporting means mounted on another section of said thatch cover element for supporting the same on said supporting element transversely spaced from said supporting element during movement of said hatch cover element between said operative and inoperative positions, said resilient supporting means having a spring force greater than the weight of said closure element said rotatable second supporting means being located on said resilient first supporting means when said hatch cover element is in said operative position, and moving along said supporting element during movement of said hatch cover element between said positions; and means for moving said hatch cover element toward said hatch coaming of said supporting element in said operative position of said hat-ch cover element while said resilient first supporting means yields due tothe resiliency thereof, said resilient first supporting means mowing said hatch cover element away from said supporting element upon termination of the action of said moving means.

4. :In a closure arrangement, in combination, a supporting element and being formed with an opening and having a supporting wall formed with an aperture bounded by an edge of said wall; a closure element for closing said opening and being movable between an inoperative position uncovering said opening and an operative position covering said opening; first resilient supporting means forming part of said supporting element, and second supporting means mounted on said closure element and including rotatable wheels for supporting said closure element on said supporting wall during movement of said closure element transversely spaced from said supporting element between said operative and inoperative positions, said resilient supporting means having a spring force greater than the weight of said closure element said wheels of said second supporting means being located on said first resilient supporting means when said closure element is in said operative position, said wheels rolling along said supporting wall of said supporting element during movement of said closure element; and clamping means for moving said closure element toward said supporting element in said operative position of said closure element while said first resilient supporting means yields due to the resiliency thereof, said first resilient supporting means normally moving said closure element away from said supporting element upon termination of the action of said clamping means and moving said wheels to the level of said supporting wall, a portion of said wall located in the direction of movement of said wheel means touching the periphery of said wheel means so that said wheel means may pass to the level of said supporting Wall even if said wheel means are not moved by said resilient means to the level of said supporting wall.

5. In a closure arrangement, in combination, a supporting element having having a supporting face and an open ing bounded by a sealing portion, said supporting element including a resilient means having a supporting portion normally flush with said supporting face; a closure element for closing said opening and having a sealing face, said closure element being movable between an operative position in which said seming face is located opposite said sealing portion and in which said opening is covered, and an inoperative position in which said opening is uncovered; wheel means secured to said closure element and being in rolling engagement with said supporting face of said supporting element during movement between said positions for supporting said closure element, said wheel means being located on said supporting portion of said resilient means in said operative position of said closure element, said resilient means having a spring force greater than the Weight of said closure element and resiliently supporting said wheel means and closure element in a movable position in which said wheel means are flush with said supporting face of said supporting means for rolling on the same and in which said closure element is transversely spaced from said supporting element; and clamping means for moving said closure element in said operative-position thereof toward said supporting element While said resilient means resiliently yields, and for holding said closure element in a sealing position in which said sealing face is in sealing engagement with said sealing portion, said resilient means urging said closure means upon release of said clamping means to said movable position.

6. In a hatch cover arrangement, in combination, a supporting element having a supporting face and an opening bounded by a sealing hatch coaming portion, said supporting element including a resilient means having a supporting portion normally flush with said supporting face; a hatch cover element for closing said opening and including a plurality of articulated sections foldable upon each other, one of said sections being turnably mounted on said supporting element, said hatch cover element being movable between an inoperative position in which said sections are folded upon each other and uncover said opening and an operative position in which said sections are located in a plane and cover said opening, said hatch cover element including a plurality of gaskets, each gasket being secured to one of said sections and sealing said sections in said operative position, said gaskets having a com mon sealing face cooperating with said sealing hatch coaming portion of said supporting element and being located opposite the same in said operative position of said hatch cover element; wheel means secured to another section of said hatch cover element and being in rolling engagement with said supporting face of said supporting element during movement between said positions for supporting said hatch cover element, said wheel means being located on said supporting portion of said resilient means in said operative position of said hatch cover element, said resilient means having a spring force greater than the weight of said hatch cover element and resiliently supporting said wheel means and hatch cover element in a movable position in which said Wheel means are flush with said supporting face of said supporting means for rolling on the same and in which said hatch cover element is transversely spaced from said supporting element; and clamping means for moving said hatch cover element in said operative position thereof toward said supporting element while said resilient means resiliently yields, and for holding said hatch cover element in a sealing position in which said sealing face of said gaskets is in sealing engagement with said sealing portion and said gaskets are compressed, said resilient means urging said hatch cover means upon release of said clamping means to said movable position.

7. A hatch cover arrangement as set forth in claim 6,

and including track means extending along said opening outside of said hatch coaming portion, said supporting portion of said resilient means being aligned with said track means so that said Wheel means are located on said supporting portion in said operative position of said hatch cover element, and roll on said track means during movement of said hatch cover element to and from said inoperative position.

8. A hatch cover arrangement as set forth in claim 6 wherein said clamping means include a plurality of clamping elements spaced along said sections of said hatch cover element in a direction transverse to the direction of the turning axis of said hatch cover element, each of said clamping elements including a first clamping member secured to one or" said sections, and a second clamping member secured to said supporting element and being movable to a position engaging said first clamping member, and further to a position for urging said first clamping member and said hatch cover element toward said supporting element.

9. In a hatch cover arrangement, in combination, a supporting element including track means and an opening bounded by a sealing hatch coaming portion; a movable supporting platform on said supporting element aligned With said track means; a resilient means including coil springs engaging said supporting platform, and said supporting element, and urging said supporting platform into a position substantially flush with said track means; a hatch cover element for closing said opening and including a plurality of articulated sections foldable upon each other, one of said sections being turnably mounted on said supporting element, said hatch cover element being movable between an inoperative position in which said sections are folded upon each other and uncover said opening and an operative position in which said sections are located in a plane and cover said opening, said hatch cover element including a plurality of gaskets, each gasket being secured to one of said sections and sealing said sections in said operative position, said gaskets having a common sealing face cooperating with said sealing hatch coaming portion of said supporting element and being located opposite the same in said operative position of said hatch cover element; wheel means secured to another section of said hatch cover element and being in rolling engagement with said supporting face of said supporting element during movement between said positions for supporting said hatch cover element, said wheel means being located on said supporting platform in said operative position of said hatch cover element, said resilient means having a spring force greater than the weight of said hatch cover element, said platform resiliently supporting said wheel means and hatch cover element in a movable position in which said wheel means are flush with said track means for rolling on the same and in which said hatch cover element is transversely spaced from said supporting element; and clamping means for moving said hatch cover element in said operative position thereof toward said supporting element while said resilient means resiliently yields, and for holding said hatch cover element in a sealing position in which said sealing face of said gaskets is in sealing engagement with said sealing hatch coaming portion and said gaskets are compressed, said resilient means urging through said platform said hatch cover means upon release of said clamping means to said movable position.

10. In aclosure arrangement, in combination, a supporting element formed with an opening; a closure element for closing said opening and being movable between an inoperative position uncovering said opening, and an operative position covering said opening; first supporting means mounted on said supporting element, and second supporting means mounted on said closure element for supporting the same for movement on said supporting element, said second supporting means being located on said first supporting means when said closure element is in said operative position, and moving along said supporting element during movement of said closure element between said positions, at least one of said supporting means being resilient and resiliently supporting said closure element in said operative position of said closure element, said resilient supporting means having a spring force equal to at least a major part of the weight of said closure element so that said closure element is at least partly counter-balanced; and means for moving said closure element in said operative position in a direction transverse to a horizontal plane.

11. In a closure arrangement, in combination, a supporting element formed with an opening; a closure element for closing said opening and being movable between an inoperative position uncovering said opening, and an operative position covering said opening; resilient first supporting means mounted on said supporting element, and rotatable second supporting means mounted on said closure element for supporting the same for rolling movement on said supporting element, said rotatable second Supporting means being located on said first supporting means when said closure element is in said operative position, and rolling along said supporting element during movement of said closure element between said positions, said resilient first supporting means resiliently supporting said closure element in said operative position of said closure element, said resilient supporting means having a spring force equal to at least a major part of the weight of said closure element so that said closure element is at least partly counterbalanced; and means for moving said closure element in said operative position in a direction transverse to a horizontal plane.

12. In a closure arrangement, in combination, a supporting element formed with an opening; a closure element located above said supporting element for closing said opening and being movable between an inoperative position uncovering said opening, and an operative position covering said opening; resilient supporting means including spring means and platform means, and being mounted on said supporting element, and rotatable supporting means mounted on said closure element for supporting the same for rolling movement on said supporting element, said rotatable supporting means being located on said platform means of said resilient supporting means when said closure element is in said operative position, and rolling along said supporting element during movement of said closure element between said positions, said resilient supporting means resiliently supporting said closure element in said operative position of said closure element, said spring means having a spring force equal to a major part of the weight of said closure element so that said closure element is partly counterbalanced while resting on said supporting element and on said resilient supporting means in said operative position; and means for moving said closure element in said operative position in a direction transverse to a horizontal plane, said moving means including operating means for raising said platform means to move said closure element away from said supporting element until said platform means are located on the level of said supporting element and said closure element is located spaced in vertical direction from said supporting element.

13. A closure arrangement as set forth in claim 12, wherein said operating means include manually turnable threaded spindle means engaging said platform means at least for moving said closure element away from said supporting element.

14. A closure arrangement as set forth in claim 12, wherein said supporting element is a substantially horizontal supporting plate means, and wherein said closure element is a plate means extending parallel to said supporting plate means and moving parallel to the same during movement between said positions thereot.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 934,456 McGray Sept. 21, 1909 2,139,779 StrattOn Dec. 13, 1938 2,753,827 Sabin July 10, 1956 2,791,095 Mercier et al May 7, 1957 

